Job Discussion Forums

Sez · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 32

Hi,

I was just wondering what the standard dress code is for teaching in japan, with a particular view to Nova, Geos etc. Is it business dress? Do teachers have to wear suits or is it more relaxed than that?

Any experiences/knowledge of this would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

For men, expect to wear dress slacks, dress shoes, button shirt and tie. In some places, the tie is optional. Jeans are not permitted in most places, and athletic shoes may be more flexible, but they are usually discouraged.

You are going to be a teacher. Remember what yours looked like in high school and imitate them.

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:31 am Post subject:

The GEOS dress code.... where to begin? Suits must be worn with GEOS name bage, and you're not supposed to take your name badge off except for lunch. You're supposed to wear your jacket at all times, but this is not heavily enforced in summer unless you are conducting an interview or there are visitors in school. No excessive jewellery, no visable tattoos, no visable piercings except for ears. Women must tie back long hair (men I think are not allowed long hair) and something smarter than a plain hair band should be used. Facial hair severly discouraged or possibly not allowed at all. Men are supposed to wear a T-shirt under their shirt to hide chest hair, though this is really only relevant if they're are likely to take off their jacket, which is discouraged anyway. Shirts for men and women, a nice looking top under your jacket is not the same thing. I believe shift dresses are accepable, but I don't recall seeing anyone wearing one. Shoes must be sensible and not too clumpy for women. Women must wear make up. Yes, you read that correctly, though only a minimum of lipstick is necessary. GEOS was forward (?) thinking enough to outlaw the no trousers for women rule in November 2002, though if you choose to wear a skirt you must wear tights/stockings/nylons even in summer. ANd quite a recent policy, but one of my favourites, coloured contact lenses should be consist with your natural ethnic colouring.

GEOS makes no secret of its dress code policy to potential new recruits and considerable time is given to it in the intrerview (which lasts three days). Of course it's nice to get out of bed and not have to wonder what to wear GEOS certainly takes the guess work out of your wardrobe.

Whilst the main elements of the code are followed to the letter a lot depends on your manager as to how far the details are enforced. I believe Other big schools (NOVA, AEON) are not so strict. As for smaller schools, it obviously depends on the school, but I know some with no dress policy at all where jeans are perfectly acceptable.

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:32 am Post subject:

And men should not remove their tie unless they are teaching kids.

Sez · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 32

Thanks for the response everyone, Geos sounds like a bit of a nightmare with its dress code!

Forced to conform it'll have to be then!

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 9:58 am Post subject:

Best not to fight it I'd say. And you'll soon get used to donning a suit every day.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Remember when you were in high school?
The teachers all wore suits.
The same applies here.You are a teacher.
Therefore you dress like a teacher.
Always put your best foot forward.
If you want to be a professional,then dress like a professional.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Yes,when I went to high school my teachers wore suits.
The women teachers wore skirts,not pants.
You were probably not even born then.
I also taught in high schools and YES I wore suits.
Let me guess,you probably went to high school in Beverly Hills.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2003 8:05 am Post subject: Locked

I'm locking this until we all start treating each other as professionals. 10-4?

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2003 10:37 am Post subject: Unlocked

I've deleted two messages and unlocked the thread. Enjoy yourselves, but nicely, please.

KarenMarie · Joined: 14 Nov 2003 Posts: 60

I did some research into the dress codes and have managed to assemble a wardrobe or conservative "teaching clothes" -- suits and sensible shoes, etc, to take to Japan with me.

Now I am wondering -- should I mention this anywhere in my cover letter? It's a plus, isn't it? Embarassed

Feel free to make fun of me. Confused

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

The fact that you dress professionally is a given. No need to write something they expect of you.

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

This is a case of every situation is different. In my last company, I know of someone who got chewed out over not wearing a suit at the breakfast table in the 5-day orientation in which the company had the entire hotel to itself.

In contrast, I can pretty much wear what I want in my current job as long as it is legal, decent, and fulfills the dual requirements of modesty and warmth. For example, today, I wore white jeans and a dark brown shirt in a rather unusual cut that hides the shirt buttons. Complated with moccasins - hate those indoor shoes teh school provides.

The best solution is to ask the prospective employer. This should not be considered an unreasonable question by any sane employer. And I for one wouldn't work for a company that restricts that kind of information or judges me on such a request for information.

fwiw, I say any company that insists on a suit while teaching children has a seriously mistaken dress code.